If you were fascinated by Necessity's deep engagement with Plato's ideas and the way the gods themselves grapple with philosophical questions, you'll love The Just City. In this novel, Athena attempts to build Plato’s Republic with real people, while Apollo incarnates as a mortal to learn about humanity. The result is a thought-provoking exploration of free will, justice, and the nature of divinity.

Like Necessity, The Left Hand of Darkness immerses you in a vividly realized world with its own rules, deities, and philosophies. Genly Ai’s journey among the Gethenians, whose society and gender are radically different from his own, echoes the thoughtful approach to worldbuilding and the examination of belief, identity, and connection across boundaries that you enjoyed.

If you loved the interplay between gods and mortals in Necessity, you'll find Small Gods a delightful and sharp-witted exploration of similar themes. Pratchett’s story of the god Om, forced to inhabit the body of a tortoise and navigate the human world with the earnest novice Brutha, brings sly humor and poignant insight to questions of faith, power, and belief.

If you appreciated the intricate, multi-faceted plotting of Necessity, Too Like the Lightning offers a similarly complex, intellectual puzzle. The story weaves together politics, religion, and personal mystery in a future world where philosophy and power are constantly in flux. You'll find yourself caught up in its web of secrets and revelations.

If you enjoyed the ensemble of gods and mortals in Necessity, with all their complex relationships and political maneuverings, you'll be drawn to The Goblin Emperor. Maia, thrust unexpectedly onto the throne, must navigate a labyrinthine court filled with intrigue, allies, and foes, all while forging his own path with grace and empathy.